Philips unveils Super Audio CD

The world's first Super Audio CD player, the Philips SACD1000, will set new standards in audio and video. And it's due to hit the Middle East in March.

Philips has introduced the world's first multi-channel Super Audio CD player, the SACD1000. At its heart beats a new Furore chip, enabling multi-channel distribution of sound to five speakers and a subwoofer. The goal of the single, integrated chip—developed specifically for this application by Philips—is unprecedented sound quality and accurate voice localisation.

The Super Audio CD (SACD) format can hold six times more data than its traditional CD counterparts and offers a sampling frequency 64 times higher. Philips joined Sony to develop the new format in a partnership that aims to tap into Direct Stream Digital (DSD) technology.

The versatile new player is compatible with SACD, DVD Video, Video CD and CDDA. SACD hybrid disks are fully backwards compatible with existing DVD players and, boasting an extra hybrid layer, can also be played on a conventional CD player.

Housed in svelte aluminium, the SACD1000 is to be marketed as both a visual, and audio, treat. “In addition to the superb sound quality, the sophisticated design is a joy for the eyes and is entirely in line with the other flag ship products,” said Frank Pauli, general manager, Philips Disc Systems.

“The SACD1000 is the first SACD multi-channel player to be introduced, and the first of a range to come,” said Pauli.

Middle East consumers can expect to hear Super Audio CD for themselves when the SACD1000 launches across the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon in early March.